Transition Year and Transition Year Extension Child Care Assistance

Program info

Transition year child care assistance can help families pay for child care while they work or look for work for up to one year after their Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) or Diversionary Work Program (DWP) case closes.

If you still need help after one year, you can move onto the Basic Sliding Fee Child Care Assistance. If the sliding-fee program has a waiting list in your county, Transition Year Extension extends your transition year child care until you can get on the sliding-fee program.

Eligibility

The programs help families pay for child care for:

Children 12 or younger

Children 14 or younger who have special needs.

To qualify, your family income must be between the listed amounts for your family size. These amounts are effective October 10, 2016.

Household size

Annual family income

2

$0 to $43,003

3

$0 to $53,121

4

$0 to $63,239

5

$0 to $73,358

6

$0 to $83,476

In addition, families must:

Participate in authorized activities including work or looking for work

Cooperate with child support requirements for any children who have a parent living outside their home

Choose an eligible child care provider who is registered with the county where you reside.

Eligible child care providers

You may choose a child care center or a family child care home. Family or friends who meet certain requirements can also be child care providers through the child care assistance program. The provider you choose must register with the county where you live. The Child Care Provider Guide (PDF) explains what child care providers need to know in order to register and be paid to care for children through the Child Care Assistance Program.

Benefits

Your child care worker will follow program rules to determine the amount of child care assistance for which you qualify. The number of hours is determined by your

work schedule

child's school schedule

other factors including travel time.

You can also receive child care assistance while you look for work.

There are maximum amounts per hour, day or week that child care assistance can pay the child care provider you choose. If child care assistance doesn't cover the provider's usual rate, the provider may charge you the difference. In addition, providers who meet certain quality standards can be paid 15 (PDF) or 20 (PDF) percent more. Search for a provider who meets quality standards.

Lastly, most families have to pay a portion of the child care cost, called a copayment. The copay amount (PDF) is based on your family's size and income.

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